Is Irvine, CA cheaper than Anaheim, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Irvine, CA is 24.0% cheaper than Anaheim, CA. This translates to saving $1802 per month.

What salary do I need in Irvine, CA to live like I do in Anaheim, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Anaheim, CA, you'd need approximately $128,376.623 in Irvine, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anaheim, CA and Irvine, CA?

Housing in Irvine, CA is 41.6% cheaper than in Anaheim, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,000/month in Irvine, CA compared to $3,240/month in Anaheim, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anaheim, CA to Irvine, CA?

Moving from Anaheim, CA to Irvine, CA could save you approximately $1802 per month, or $21623 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anaheim, CA vs Irvine, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Anaheim, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Irvine, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.4K in Irvine, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,802

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Anaheim, CA

Population:341K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$969K

Irvine, CA

Population:308K

Cost Index:

(24% below avg)

Anaheim, CA

The Golden State

341K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 341K residents.

Irvine, CA

The Golden State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 308K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anaheim, CA vs Irvine, CA

Category	Anaheim, CA	Irvine, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$3,508/mo	↓ $2,495less	41.6%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,039/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$2,158/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$557/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$551/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,724/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 41.6%

Anaheim, CA

$6,003

Irvine, CA

$3,508

Difference

$2,495

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Anaheim, CA

$1,039

Irvine, CA

$1,039

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Anaheim, CA

$2,158

Irvine, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Anaheim, CA

$557

Irvine, CA

$557

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Anaheim, CA

$551

Irvine, CA

$551

Difference

same

Other

→ 0.0%

Anaheim, CA

$1,724

Irvine, CA

$1,724

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,690

To$1,350

↓ $1,340

1 Bed

From$2,750

To$1,550

↓ $1,200

2 Bed

From$3,240

To$2,000

↓ $1,240

3 Bed

From$4,400

To$2,800

↓ $1,600

Anaheim, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,410–$3,900/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,034

Monthly in Anaheim, CA

$9,539

Monthly in Irvine, CA

$2,495

Difference

Home Values

Anaheim

Irvine

$969K

Median Value

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

$837K - $1.26M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Anaheim

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Anaheim, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Irvine, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Anaheim, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Irvine, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.